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Best Pull-ups for sensitive skin, 2022: Why most pull-ups can irritate our little ones’ skin

There’s nothing softer than our little ones’ skin. Such delicate, sensitive skin deserves the best and healthiest products, so it’s good to know that there are heaps of hypoallergenic pull-ups out there for our toddlers. 

But what does this actually mean?

The term hypoallergenic is defined as ‘relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction’. 

You’d be forgiven for thinking that all products for babies and toddlers, especially diapers, are hypoallergenic. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Let’s take a look at what hypoallergenic really is, if brands’ hypoallergenic claims are completely accurate, and the best hypoallergenic pull-ups for toddlers on the market right now.

What chemicals are in pull-ups?

Unfortunately, many diapers and pull-ups contain chemicals. These chemicals are completely unnecessary and potentially harmful to health, so why are they used?

The sad fact is that using them can make the manufacturing process easier and cheaper. 

And this is why you have to be super careful when choosing the right products for babies and toddlers. 

Pull-ups could contain all sorts of chemical-laden plastics, along with perfumes and fragrances, lotions, preservatives like parabens and chemicals that make products more durable, like phthalates. 

These added toxins can easily irritate the skin, especially the delicate skin of a baby or toddler, leading to skin rashes and itchiness. In fact, chemicals like phthalates have even been linked to asthma and eczema in young children. 

Suffice to say, we need to avoid them when we can.

More on this topic: Disposable Diapers: What Are They Made From, And Are They Safe?

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Are hypoallergenic pull-ups free from chemicals?

So if a pull-up is labeled hypoallergenic, it’s free from all these nasty chemicals, right?

While it would be great if all hypoallergenic diapers were completely toxin-free, it’s unfortunately not the case. The problem is, the term ‘hypoallergenic’ isn’t regulated by the FDA, so brands can use it however they like. 

And remember, the term itself doesn’t mean that you’re completely out of the water when it comes to skin irritation. It simply means that the product ‘isn’t likely’ to cause a reaction. 

It’s easy to see how brands can get away with using it, even if the diaper or pull-up isn’t completely skin-safe.

Things to Consider When Picking Hypoallergenic pull-ups for toddlers 

  • Materials
    As with any food or cosmetic, the fewer materials or ingredients, the better. 

    Not all diaper and pull-up brands offer ingredient lists (although they should), but if their list reads longer than a chemistry thesis, that’s probably not a good sign. 

    Look for pull-ups that use natural materials like wood fluff and bamboo; plant-based materials are less likely to irritate the skin. And while there’s currently no 100% plant-based diaper or pull-up on the market, the more plant-based materials used, the better it should be for our little ones.
  • Toxins
    A pull-up brand might claim to be hypoallergenic, but we need to delve deeper to find out the truth. 

    For a pull-up to be truly hypoallergenic, it should be free of lotions, fragrances or perfumes and phthalates, at the minimum. And avoiding these chemicals is a huge selling point. So if a pull-up doesn’t use them, companies usually make it very clear. 

    On the flip side, if you can’t find anything that says your chosen pull-ups are free of these toxins, it’s much safer to assume they’re used. 

    When in doubt, get in touch with the brand, either by email or social media, and ask them directly!
  • Reviews
    It’s always a good idea to read reviews. If you find a pattern of parents and carers reporting rashes, it’s probably best to steer clear.

What pull-ups are good for sensitive skin?

So now we know what to look for… what pull-ups are actually good for sensitive skin? The following pull-ups are free from harsh chemicals, and suitable for the delicate skin of our babies and toddlers.

Dyper Briefs
Best hypoallergenic Pull-Ups

a box of Dyper Briefs

If you’ve read any of my diaper reviews, you’ll know that Dyper products are some of my favorites. These plant-based pull-ups are made using soft and sustainable bamboo and the company even uses sustainable materials in their packaging.

The best thing about Dyper briefs is that they’re free of the nasty chemicals you’ll find in many popular pull-ups.

A completely plastic-free pull-up doesn’t currently exist, but it’s great that Dyper makes an effort to use some sustainable and plant-based materials.

Most importantly, Dyper pull-ups are completely free of the following: 

  • Latex
  • Perfumes
  • Alcohol
  • Lotions
  • PVC
  • Phthalates
  • TBT

It’s brilliant that Dyper is so clear about what their products avoid. Clearly, Dyper briefs are truly hypoallergenic!

Dyper Pull-ups Size guide

SizeWeight
2T-3T<34lbs
3T-4T32-40lbs
4T-5T>38lbs
5T-6T>41lbs

Dyper pull-ups are available up to size 5T-6T, which would fit an average 4-5 year old.

Reviews

Looking at Amazon, Dyper briefs average 4.3 out of 5 in reviews.

Reviewers say that Dyper briefs are effective and comfortable, but they seem to run small. Many reviews talk about how comfy are – they’re clearly one of the softest pull-ups on the market.

Andy Pandy Training Pants
Best Eco-Friendly Bamboo Pull-Ups

Andy Pandy is another of my all-time fave baby brands. Their soft, underwear-like pull-ups are great for potty training. They’re made with a 100% bamboo fiber top and back sheet. Bamboo is super absorbent and much better in terms of sustainability than cotton. 

As you’d expect, Andy Pandy pull-ups are completely free of harsh chemicals like fragrances, lotions and phthalates, so they’re truly hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. 

They also feature a wetness indicator, to let you know when your little one needs changing.

Andy Pandy pull-ups are free of::

  • Latex
  • Phthalates
  • Chlorine
  • Fragrances
  • Lotions
  • Dyes

Andy Pandy Pull-ups Size guide

SizeWeight
2T (L)20-31lbs
3T (XL)18-37lbs
4T (XXL)33lbs+

Andy Pandy pull-ups are available in sizes 2T, 3T and 4T. If you need a bigger size than 4T, a brand like Dyper is probably your best bet.

Reviews

Reviews of Andy Pandy pull-ups are glowing – they average over 4.5 stars out of 5 in over 40 reviews on the Andy Pandy site. Parents and carers love how absorbent and soft they are, as well as how safe they are for their little ones’ skin.

Eco Pea Training Pants
Best non-toxic pull up diapers for sensitive skin

Another brand that uses soft, sustainable bamboo in their pull-ups is Eco Pea. Apart from an awesome brand name, they offer well-fitting and 85% biodegradable bamboo pull-ups that steer well clear of chemicals like fragrances and chlorine.

And if that wasn’t enough, these hypoallergenic pull-ups are vegan, cruelty-free and made without gluten. 

And if that wasn’t enough, Eco Pea uses water-based inks only and their pull-ups are presented in completely compostable paper packs.

Oh, and their shipping process is carbon neutral.

And breathe…

Eco Pea pull-ups are free of:

Eco Pea pull-ups are free of:

  • Fragrances
  • Lotions
  • Chlorine
  • Dyes with heavy metals
  • Phthalates

Eco Pea Pull-Ups Size guide

SizeWeight
2T-3T<34lbs
3T-4T32-40lbs
4T-5T38lbs+

Eco Pea pull-ups are available in sizes 2T-3T, 3T-4T and 4T-5T.

Reviews

Like Andy Pandy pull-ups, reviews for Eco Pea pull-ups are glowing. They average a whopping 4.7 out of 5 in over 35 reviews on the Eco Pea site. Reviewers say they love that these pull-ups steer clear of toxins, and they’re really effective too.

Ecoriginals Toddler Pants
Best Eco-Friendly Toddler Nappy Pants for Sensitive Skin

Ecoriginals deliver what their name suggests – truly eco and skin friendly diapers and training pants that are leading the way in the market…

Their diapers and pull-ups are made with more than 90% biodegradable materials – the highest percentage on the market right now – and are super absorbent to boot. 

Read Next: Ecoriginals Diapers Review, 2023: The Greenest Diaper On The Market?

Their breathable bamboo and lack of chemicals makes them truly hypoallergenic. Not only that, but their pull-ups will keep your little one dry for up to 12 hours or more, feature leak guards and are presented in compostable paper packs.

Impressive to say the least.

Oh, and they’re carbon positive – they plant a tree with every order.

Even more impressive.

Ecoriginals pull-ups are free of:

  • Fragrances
  • Lotions
  • Chlorine
  • Phthalates

The only tiny issue I have with Ecoriginals is their sizing. You might assume from the website that they only offer side tab diapers and not pull-ups as the sizing is a little confusing. 

But here’s a guide…

Ecoriginals Pull-ups sizing

SizeWeight
Crawler training pants13-24lbs
Toddler training pants22-31lbs
Walker training pants29-40lbs
Junior training pants40lbs+

The pull-ups are ‘mixed in’ with the diapers on the Ecoriginals site, which isn’t the most user-friendly way of displaying them… but they’re definitely there!

Reviews

Talk about outstanding. Ecoriginals pull-ups average an amazing 4.9 out of 5 in over 640 reviews on the brand’s own site. The vast majority of reviewers give the pull-ups 5 stars and say they love that they’ve found a brand that works and is good for the planet at the same time.

Healthybaby Diaper Pants
The softest pull-ups for sensitive skin

Healthybaby pull-ups, formerly named Healthynest, are, according to the brand ‘the world’s best diaper’!

Their diapers and pull-ups are the first and only EWG-verified diapers in the world, but why is that important?

Read More: Healthynest Diapers Reviewed: The New (And Super Healthy) Kid On The Block

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit group that shines a light on harmful industry practices. They also carry out game-changing research and want us all to be able to make smart, healthy choices easily.

Healthybaby diapers are the first to become verified by the group. They analyzed Healthybaby’s ingredients and determined that they’re skin safe, which is great news for parents and carers everywhere!

As you’d expect for an EWG-verified diaper, Healthybaby pull-ups are completely free of the following chemicals:

  • Chlorine
  • Phthalates
  • Fragrances
  • Lotions
  • Dyes with heavy metals

Healthybaby pull-ups are available in the following sizes.

SizeWeight
312-18lbs
416-28lbs
522-37lbs
637lbs+

Reviews

Healthybaby pull-ups average 4.85 in over 150 reviews on the brand’s site, which isn’t a surprise! Parents and carers say they love how soft their products are on baby’s skin, whilst being effective at keeping leaks at bay.

Bambo Nature Pull Up Pants
Best Skin-Friendly pull ups for older kids

Bambo Nature offers pull-ups aimed at both older girls and boys. Their breathable and discreet pull-ups are great for bedwetting children; they’re designed to look and feel like regular underwear and they’re super absorbent.

And their skin health credentials are super impressive…

They’re certified by Asthma Allergy Nordic, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the Forest Stewardship Council and dermatologically-test. Free from harsh chemicals, Bambo Nature training pants are truly hypoallergenic.

Bambo Nature pants are free of:

  • Lotions
  • Fragrances
  • Phthalates
  • PVC
  • Heavy metals
  • Parabens
  • Preservatives
  • Chlorine
  • Optical brighteners

It’s safe to say that Bambo Nature pants are about as skin-friendly as you can get.

Bambo Nature Pull ups Size guide

Bambo Nature girls’ pants are available in the following sizes.

SizeWeight
4-7 years33-77lbs
8-15 years77-110lbs

Bambo Nature pants for boys are available in the following sizes.

SizeWeight
4-7 years33-77lbs
8-15 years77-110lbs

Reviews

Heading over to Amazon, reviews of Bambo Nature’s pull-ups are still positive, but not quite as glowing as the other brands on this list. Their girls’ underwear averages 4.3 out of 5 in over 5

Eco by Naty training Pants
Hypoallergenic and Chemical-Free Training Pants

Eco by Naty is one of the big players when it comes to eco-conscious pull-ups and diapers. These ultrasoft pull-ups feature nature inspired designs, are super soft and comfortable and are truly hypoallergenic.

Although they’re not completely free of plastic, Eco by Naty does use some plant-based materials in its pull-ups, which is more than can be said for a lot of pull-ups on the market right now!

They’re also certified vegan, which many diapers aren’t. Find out more about why some diapers aren’t cruelty-free here!

Naty pull-ups are free of the following chemicals:

  • Dioxins
  • Perfume
  • Phthalates
  • Latex
  • Dyes
  • GMOs

Eco by Naty Pull Ups Size guide

SizeWeight
418-33lbs
526-40lbs
635lbs+

Eco by Naty pull-ups don’t follow the usual 2T-5T sizing. Instead, they offer sizes 4, 5 and 6, ranging from 18-35lbs+.

Reviews

Reviews for Eco by Naty pull-ups are, yet again, glowing. They average 4.9 out of 5 in over 110 reviews on the brand’s site, with reviewers saying they’re good value for money, a great fit and effective.

Seventh Generation training pants
pull ups for sensitive skin

Seventh Generation is another well-known eco-conscious baby brand.

Their stretchy pull-ups feature tear-away side panels that let you adjust them to fit and they’re free of some harsh toxins – no mention of phthalates, though!

Seventh Generation pull-ups stay away from:

  • Chlorine
  • Fragrances
  • Lotions 

Seventh Generation pull-ups size guide

SizeWeight
2T-3TUp to 34lbs
3T-4T32-40lbs
4T-5T38lbs+

Seventh Generation follows a typical pull-up size structure, from 2T-5T.

Reviews

Seventh Generation’s pull-ups average 4.5 out of 5 in over 250 reviews on their own site. Most parents and carers like the pull-ups; they say they’re effective, sturdy and comfortable for their little ones. Some reviewers do say they’re pricey, though!

Honest training pants

If you’ve not heard of Honest diapers… of course you’ve heard of Honest diapers.

The brainchild of A-lister Jessica Alba, Honest baby products have gathered a cult following, with their toxin-free diapers and super cute prints.

Related Post: Honest Diapers Review: Honestly? They Don’t Live Up To The Hype

But what about their pull-ups?

Honest’s pull-ups feature a core made with sustainably harvested fluff pulp and other plant-based materials. 

They’re soft and absorbent, and easy for toddlers to use while potty training. They have nifty tear-away sides that make taking the pull-ups off easy and, of course, feature their famous cute prints.

Honest pull-ups are free from:

  • Latex
  • Chlorine
  • Fragrances
  • Lotions
  • Phthalates

Honest Pull-ups Size guide

Size Weight
2T-3TUp to 34lbs
3T-4T32-40lbs
4T-5T38lbs+

Honest pull-ups are suitable for toddlers from under 34lbs to over 38lbs.

Reviews

Reviews for Honest pull-ups are quite good compared to other pull-ups on this list. They average just 4.4 out of 5 in over 1800 reviews. Few reviewers say that Honest pull-ups run small, which causes issues with poor fitting and leaking.

The majority of reviews say that they do the job.

Natural Blossom Pull-up diaper

You may not have heard of Natural Blossom before. This British company produces toxin-free diapers and pull-ups for little ones, and are available to US customers on Amazon

Their pull-ups are substantially thinner than some other pull-ups, offering superior comfort and flexibility, but promise to be just as absorbent. 

Natural Blossom pull-ups are certified by Allergy UK, which, we’re told, is one of the top three safety authorities in Europe. 

Natural Blossom pull-ups are free from:

  • Fragrances
  • Lotions
  • Phthalates

Natural Blossom Size guide

SizeWeight
420-31lbs
526-37lbs
633lbs+
747lbs+

Reviews

Natural Blossom pull-ups average 4.5 out of 5 in over 300 reviews over on Amazon. Most parents and carers say that they’re soft, absorbent and great for potty training. Others say they’re gentle on the skin.

Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf

Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf is Huggies’ new addition to the market. Unlike their regular pull-ups, which don’t make any effort to use plant-based materials, New Leaf pull-ups are made with 28% plant-based materials. 

The brand says this variety is the softest ever and claim to be hypoallergenic. While it’s clear that they avoid fragrances and lotions, they don’t mention phthalates, which is a concern.

Huggies says their New Leaf pants offer up to 12 hours of protection, so they’re suitable for overnights too. 

They offer different designs for boys and for girls.

Huggies New Leaf Pull-Ups are free of the following chemicals:

  • Fragrances
  • Lotions

Huggies New Leaf Pull-Ups Size guide

SizeWeight
2T-3T16-34lbs
3T-4T32-40lbs
4T-5T38-50lbs

While regular Huggies Pull-Ups are available up to size 5T-6T, New Leafs are available up to 4T-5T.

Huggies New Leaf Pull-Ups Reviews

Reviews of Huggies New Leaf Pull-Ups are, yet again, glowing. Their girls’ pull-ups average 4.8 out of 5 in over 770 reviews. Parents and carers like that New Leaf pull-ups use some plant-based materials and say they’re soft and absorbent.

Pull-ups for sensitive skin FAQ

1. Are Pampers Easy Ups hypoallergenic?

Pampers states that their Easy Ups pull-ups are hypoallergenic. But as we know, brands are able to use this term however they like; it’s not regulated by the FDA. While their Easy Ups are free of latex and parabens, they very clearly use lotions and fragrances, which can easily irritate the skin. 

Plus, they don’t offer any information on phthalates at all. 

This example proves how important it is to investigate further when baby brands claim to produce hypoallergenic products. If they use fragrances and lotions, they can’t be hypoallergenic, as these toxins are known to irritate skin, even if it’s not sensitive. 

2. Do Huggies Pull-Ups have chlorine?

Huggies products are all free of elemental chlorine, but that doesn’t mean they’re totally chlorine free. 

Chlorine doesn’t necessarily cause skin issues, but it’s certainly not great for the environment. This is because it can be poisonous to sea life, even at really low levels. It can also easily pollute water.

So it’s best to look for pull-ups which are totally chlorine free, like Healthybaby and Eco Pea.

3. What are Pampers pull-ups made of?

Here’s a full list of what you’ll find in Pampers Easy Ups, their answer to pull-ups.

  • Polypropylene nonwoven – transports wetness to the diaper core
  • Super absorbent polymer (SAP) – non-toxic polymer keeps baby dry
  • Absorbent fluff pulp – derived from wood to absorb wetness
  • Polyester acquisition layer – absorbs wetness
  • Polypropylene nonwoven – separates layers
  • Polypropylene nonwoven and latex-free spandex – helps to offer a good fit and prevent leaks
  • Polyethylene – waterproof film helps prevent leaks
  • Thermoplastic polymers – keeps material in place
  • Colors – non-sensitizing pigments used for the design
  • Lotion – stearyl alcohol, aloe barbadensis leaf extract and petrolatum
  • Fragrance – ‘light fragrance added in small amounts’

As you can see, Pampers pull-ups – Easy Ups – contain fragrances and lotions, so they can’t be truly hypoallergenic. 

It’s best to turn to toxin-free pull-ups, especially since our little ones’ skin is so delicate and sensitive, like Healthybaby, Eco Pea and Dyper. 

4. Are Huggies Pull-Ups fragrance free?

Yes! Huggies Pull-Ups are completely free of lotions, fragrances and parabens. This is great, but they don’t talk about phthalates, so that’s a concern. This is probably why they don’t claim to be hypoallergenic. 

5. At what age should you stop wearing pull-ups?

On average, a toddler starts to potty train at around 2-3 years old. But every little one is different, so it’s about waiting until they’re ready. When they do start to show signs of being ready, pull-ups are super handy because they’re easier for toddlers to pull up and down than typical side tab diapers.  

As they use the potty more, you’ll find that you use fewer pull-ups, but many toddlers aren’t fully potty trained until they’re 4 or older. And when it comes to nighttimes, things are different again.

About 20% of five year olds and 10% of 7 year olds experience bedwetting, so you might need pull-ups beyond 3 or 4. Brands that offer sizes bigger than 5t like Bambo Nature are great for little ones who need extra support overnights. 

Read Next: Do Pull-Ups Bigger Than 5t Exist? A Roundup Of The Best

If potty-training or bedwetting is a concern, contact your pediatrician.

6. What can I use instead of pull-ups at night?

As your little one gets more confident with bladder control overnight, you might want to consider an alternative to pull-ups. There are a few alternatives that work well, and would be worth giving a go. 

You can find plenty of reusable bedwetting pants, on Amazon, Etsy and other sites. These reusable pants are great, especially for eco-conscious parents and carers. 

The fact that they’ll look and feel different to regular disposable pull-ups should support your little one to continue on their ‘staying dry overnight’ journey.

They won’t hold large amounts of liquid, so only make the switch when your little one is ready. 

The other alternative to full pull-ups is absorbent inserts, like these ones from Goodnites. They look a little like sanitary towels, and work in the same way. The brand says they can be used to tackle ‘moderate’ nighttime bedwetting and should be placed in regular underwear. 

They’re great for discreet protection!

Conclusion: What are the best hypoallergenic pull-ups for toddlers?

Our little ones’ delicate skin deserves the best. And while most pull-ups on the market are far from suitable for such delicate skin, some brands out there are producing truly hypoallergenic pull-ups. 

And thank goodness they are…

Brands like Healthybaby, Eco Pea and Dyper are leading the way when it comes to pull-ups for sensitive skin. They stay away from potential irritants like fragrances, lotions and phthalates, making rashes and irritation far less likely, especially considering they all use plant-based materials in their pull-ups. 

A brand might say they’re hypoallergenic, but this term isn’t FDA-regulated. So, really, they can use it however they like – Pampers Easy Ups, as a case in point. But while Pampers Easy Ups, with their added fragrances and lotions, aren’t truly hypoallergenic, so many pull-ups out there are: Healthybaby, Ecoriginals and Andy Pandy to name just a few.

The main takeaway is this: when looking for the best toddler pull-ups for sensitive skin, be sure to do your research!

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